Muscat: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) organised a workshop in Muscat on Monday to discuss the 'Omani Building Code'. The workshop reviewed the initial draft of the code.
Over 100 specialists from public institutions and private sector establishments participated in the workshop. They discussed general observations and ways to adapt to international criteria and meet the increasing local demand in urban and regulatory areas.
The code is one of six regulatory frameworks aimed at standardising construction practices in Oman, with the help of experts from the International Code Council (ICC).
The first draft of the guide focused on construction requirements and non-construction requirements. It aims to enhance building quality and safety in Oman, promote resource efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts from construction activities.
The code is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of urban projects and striking a balance between urban development and environmental conservation. It also plays a key role in improving safety and security standards in buildings, complying with international standards, unifying building requirements, and attracting international investments to Oman.
Hamid Naderi, Senior Vice-President of Product Development, and SK Ghosh, who leads business initiatives, explained that the primary goal of the Oman Building Code is to ensure minimum safety standards for people inside buildings and to protect structures from fire and other hazards.
Naderi elaborated on the development of six building codes adapted from the 2021 International Codes (ICC) specifically for Oman. These codes cover general construction and design, existing and historical buildings, energy efficiency, sustainability, plumbing, mechanical systems and private storage disposal.
Shahswar Gamdust al Balushi, the Adviser to the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Construction and Engineering Consultancy, highlighted the importance of the newly developed code in establishing standards for a safe living environment in Oman. He emphasised the need for standardised construction methods across the country, considering its diverse topography.
Al Balushi also stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders, such as consultants, municipalities, and construction companies, in the discussions to ensure a clear understanding of how the code will function and be implemented.
Participants commended the expertise provided by the International Code Council (ICC) team, recognising this as a significant step towards Oman adopting a modern regulatory framework in the construction sector to facilitate sustainable urban development in line with international standards.
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